Manchester United transfer news: Jose Mourinho to raid Benfica for Victor Lindelof in January to bulk up central defence
Only Eric Bailly has convinced — with Chris Smalling, Daley Blind, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo not long-term options
MANCHESTER UNITED have made the first steps to sign Benfica’s Victor Lindelof, according to reports in Portugal.
Jose Mourinho is desperate to reinforce the centre of the Red Devils defence — with only Eric Bailly convincing in that position so far.
Lindelof is also a target for Chelsea in January, with Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan keeping a close eye on the Swede.
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But report United are in the driving seat have made initial contact over a move for the 22-year-old in the winter transfer window.
Mourinho is determined to move quickly to ensure his side don’t miss out on another Benfica starlet, after allowing Golden Boy winner, Renato Sanches, to move to Bayern Munich in the summer.
The former Chelsea boss has deployed Daley Bind, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo in the centre of defence — with none convincing they are the long-term solutions.
Bailly's injury means United are just coasting at the minute with Mourinho unable to trust the replacements.
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Sweden international, Lindelof, was reportedly watched by Old Trafford scouts during the Portuguese champions’ 6-0 win over Maritimo in the Portuguese Cup over the weekend.
The defender has 11 caps for his country and started all three games at Euro 2016.
Fellow Swede, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has back his compatriot for success at United.
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He is quoted as saying: “I think Victor is doing great things, he is playing good for Benfica, he gets a lot of responsibility for the national team now.
“He is growing. Is he good enough for United?
“I think he's good enough for the big clubs out there. It's up to him what he wants and what the situation says.
“Whatever he chooses will be good for him. I know he is hot on the market so let him make the right choice, what fits him good.”